SEBASTIAN — Dozens of law enforcement officers from the Sebastian Police Department and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday descended on the Sebastian Walmart with cruisers’ lights and sirens going, all escorting a big, yellow school bus carrying more than 30 children eagerly awaiting their chance to do some Christmas shopping.
“We’re going to have some fun,” Sheriff Deryl Loar told the children as they gathered in the Walmart staff room to snack on chicken tenders and cookies. “Merry Christmas kids!”
The children’s face lit up with happiness as they greeted their personal officer-escort and found their assigned shopping cart once it was time to start shopping. Many made a bee-line for the toy aisles while some went for the electronics. Others headed to the clothing department.
Each of the 31 kids was given a $125 Walmart gift card, funded through donations from the community, the law enforcement agencies, the Sebastian Rotary Club, and lawn care company Lawn Patrol.
“I love being the police chief here,” said Sebastian Police Chief Michelle Morris, adding that she is proud of her police force and its active interest in the community. Seeing her officers volunteer to be a part of the Shop With A Cop event “puts a bigger smile on my face.”
Mere minutes into the shopping, Sebastian K9 Officer Roy Cole and his young shopper were in one of the girl toys aisles.
“You’ve got something soft; you’ve got something glittery; you’ve got something electronic,” Ofc. Cole said. “What else do you like?”
The next aisle over, three boys were checking out the Hot Wheels and Legos.
Nine-year-old Breyci, a fourth grader at Liberty Magnet, loaded up his cart with several toys, including a Buddy the Skate Dog animated bulldog, several WWE wrestling toys, and a couple toy emergency helicopters. He also picked up a present for his mom.
Breyci told his shopping partner Sheriff’s Captain Selby Strickland that he wants to be a cop when he grows up – explaining his interest in the helicopters.
“’Cause I can save the world from crime,” Breyci said when asked why he wants to be in law enforcement.
Capt. Strickland said he was enjoying shopping with Breyci. He explained that the Sheriff’s Office, with others, raised money for the gift cards and shopping with Breyci was a way to see first-hand how those donations were being spent.
This is the second year the Sheriff’s Office has pulled together Shop With A Cop with the assistance of Walmart. Last year, the event was held at the Vero Beach store and included only the Sheriff’s Office.
Store Manager Mark Rogers transferred to the Sebastian Walmart and brought the program to that store.
Rogers said the event helps to bring children and law enforcement together in a positive setting, one in which could foster friendships.
“It’s just good for the community overall,” he said, later adding, “I just love being involved.”
Sheriff’s Deputy Teddy Floyd reached out Sebastian Officer Steve Marcinik to get his department on board to help out.
Both agencies put the word out to area schools and the Sebastian Boys and Girls Club to find children who need a little extra help celebrating the holiday.
“I love it,” said Sebastian Police Officer Nick Dennis of participating in the event. “I think it’s a blast just to see a smile on the kids’ faces.”
Ofc. Dennis received a full education on My Little Pony from his shopping partner, Amy.
Amy explained each My Little Pony item she placed in her cart, which included a couple plush toys, a wedding castle and the Friendship Express Train.
“Friendship is magic,” Amy said – My Little Pony’s theme, “and I have a lot of friends.
The fourth grade Pelican Island Elementary student said she loves the Pegasuses and Unicorns, as well as the “regular” ponies that make up My Little Pony.
Sheriff’s Detective John Clark had a fairly quick shopping experience with 4-year-old Kiera.
“She knew exactly what she wanted,” Det. Clark said.
First, she grabbed a few movies, then it was on to the dolls and toys, he said.
Det. Clark said the event was an exercise in not just mental math but also quick math, explaining that he tried to keep a running total of everything Kiera put in the cart but she’d no sooner grab one thing and take off for another.
“It’s a great program,” he said. “I would do it again.”
Store Manager Mark Rogers said he plans to open the store to the Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies for the Shop With A Cop event every year.
To that end, the Sheriff’s Office is already taking up a collection to help fund more children next year. The department has established a special account for just such donations from the community – IRCSO Shop With A Cop.
To find out more on how to help the Sheriff’s Office and the event, call the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office at (772) 569-6700.
